Shifter rattle

[courtenay]

Went to replace the stuff on the bottom of of the shifter today to stop the rattling. Managed to get the cover off, but was not able to easily get a wrench on the nut on the bottom of the shifter to take the thing apart. The driveshaft is a bit of an obstacle to get at the thing. As well, once the cover is removed, the whole thing gets pretty loose.
Anyone have any tips? Am I doing this job correctly by just taking the cover off? Seems stuff wants to drop down when I do that.

[TulsaSpider]

It is a bit of a pain. I used 1/4 inch drives I think when mine fell apart. Like Nike says just do it! Good luck

[Lex]

By drop down you mean the pivot point and shifter have dropped slightly and may be resting on the drive shaft? (or hanging slightly above)

If so push it back up leave the bottom cover off and put your three bolts back in, not to tight, but enough to give you room for that wrench. Then when your satisfied with that nut, take them back out and put your cover back on, and you'll be good to go.

However if by drop down you mean fall out onto the shop floor, you'll have to give a better explanation Best of luck.

[So Cal Mark]

I use a swivel socket with an extension when the driveshaft is in place

[courtenay]

Thanks guys. I'm off to northern Vancouver Island to an RV Park/Marina for a month to play with my other toys. The Fiat is going to sit in the garage for awhile, hopefully thinking about being good. I'll get back to the shift rattle and fan problems when I get back. Look out salmon and halibut - here I come!!!